Gymnastic Bodies – Tumbling One Series

I wasn’t sure if I should buy Tumbling One because the details about it seemed non-existant. I got an e-mail from Gymnastic Bodies that explained it a bit more and I thought I would share it with you guys:

I wanted to share with you why we are so excited about the release of Tumbling One and why it should be a staple in your training along with basic strength and mobility. The term tumbling is applied to any GB courses that develop rolls, dynamic leg strength or shoulder blocking. These aspects of movement form a basis for explosive work down the road. In addition to sheer strength, explosiveness is one of the most effective forms of training for both athletic ability and physique. A back handspring alone requires over 7x bodyweight each time your hands or feet impact the ground.

How Does Tumbling One Build Foundational Movement?

Tumbling One has been divided into nine sections with over 50 progressions. Each section has a specific end progression, with the end goal being to perform the same basic warmup routines used by the top teams all around the world.

Quadrupedal Movement

Basic Locomotion provides an excellent way to quickly find and point out weaknesses in your training. You will use these drills to supplement if and where you need additional time to shore up an imbalance.

Shoulder Roll Development

Teaches you the basics of moving your body as one unit. Like with handstands, any part of the body that is loose and not contracted will cause you to miss a rep. Learning this with simple drills makes it much easier later on.

Forward Roll Development

This movement is essential to any type of forward tumbling down the road. Again, we emphasize keeping your body tight and in the correct position.

Backward Roll Development

I hope you have never had the misfortunate of attempting to learn a back flip simply by throwing your body and wishing for the best. While a back tuck is a relatively simple skill, if you do not posses the control to hold the body position on the ground, you have no chance of doing it in mid air.

Handstand Forward Roll Development

This is a more advanced variation of forward roll where you are no longer in a completely tucked position. Similarly to backward roll, you can’t expect to ever have a layout without first mastering this position on the floor.

Back Extension

A back extension is a backward roll to handstand. While also a lot of fun it develops an incredible sense of movement through space.

Cartwheel Development and Refinement

The quality of a cartwheel depends largely on your handstand quality. If you can’t hold the correct position on the wall or freestanding, it will be difficult to do so while moving sideways. Cartwheels are worth the trouble as they are a lead for many different tumbling combinations.

Integrated Roll Series

The Integrated Roll Series is incredibly effective at highlighting deficits in your movement preparation, basics and mobility. And not only for you as a recreational athlete. These variations are so effective and important that every top team mens program in the world always begins their training day with them as well.

I hope you have enjoyed this in depth look at the structure of Tumbling One. This course will change the way you move and how you use your body. Please keep us updated as you start the course and make progress!